Emery County Commissioner Jordan Leonard joined Castle Country Radio for our biweekly update on what is happening in Emery County. This go-round included topics like upcoming events for the county, a shout-out to the Emery County Business Chamber and a recap of big agenda items from the last Commission meeting.
Opening our conversation, Commissioner Leonard discussed some of the activities coming up within the county,” By the end of summer usually you think city celebrations are done. But the fall brings us two good ones, Peach Days are coming up soon. We’ll have a lot of fun activities. And then Melon Days, they’ll have their annual softball tournament and then I always love the watermelons and the activities they have going on.”
Another upcoming celebration is the Joe’s Valley Fest, which is coming up at the start of Oct.,” that one is good to get the rock climbers mingling with the local community. It’s been a great addition to our events.” Explained Commissioner Leonard,” The rock climbers come here and do some events and gather to do clinics. And then they do service projects as well that benefit the community and feel like they have some skin in the game to be a part of the community.”
Commissioner Leonard then wanted to highlight some agenda items from the recent commission meeting. The first item he hit on was the ONEbox program that was presented by the Southeastern Utah Health Department. “The One Box program through the health department, they’re looking at putting opioid relief kits for those that potentially have overdosed on opioids in the community in different public areas. If there’s an emergency, the public can go to that box read the instructions, and try to help those that potentially are overdosing or have challenges that way. It gives it a little more time for the authorities and the police department to come and make sure everything’s OK.”
Another item Commissioner Leonard wanted to touch on was a new agreement between the Emery County Business Chamber and the county which allows the business chamber to use the old Weed and Mosquito Department building as a “business incubator,” allowing small businesses to get off the ground. “We had an agreement that we approved in our commission meeting with the business chamber to help us manage those facilities.” Leonard continued,” So it’ll be really good to recruit business and try to help keep those businesses and buildings full and viable. We’re excited about that partnership to help us manage those buildings and help grow business in Emery County.”
While on the topic of the business chamber, Commissioner Leonard wanted to give them a shout-out,” I think the big part of that one is they’ve always been a great support of the county in many different ways. But helping us manage those old weed and mosquito buildings to make sure that they’re not getting dilapidated and helping us with business development. So I want to shout out the local business chamber for always supporting the county. And in helping the local businesses thrive to be the best that they can be in the economic environment that we’re in.”
Closing out our conversation, Commissioner Leonard left us with a simple message,” Enjoy the fall weather while it lasts and just appreciate everything that we have in life.”